Moral decadence: Scripture Union advocates religious assemblies in schools

An International Christian organisation, Scripture Union, has advocated religious assemblies in schools to checkmate social vices among students and the youth in the country.

The Area Chairman, SU, Abeokuta Area, Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo, stated this at a press conference marking the 150th anniversary celebration of Scripture Union Worldwide, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The body appealed to the Federal Government to formulate policies that would encourage character formation, so as to have a free society devoid of cultism, examination malpractices, abuse of drugs, rape, immorality and other social vices in primary, post-primary schools and tertiary institutions.

“Let government allow Scripture Union operate in schools. We were driven out of schools all over Nigeria. Why? It was because of the fear that we could become fundamentalists. We were misrepresented. We were misunderstood. We knew it was the devil’s strategy to stop our work from schools. Wherever you see light, darkness cannot stand there.

“Government should allow all places in Nigeria to have Scripture Union presence; in all our government houses, palaces, let there be Bible study and Scripture Union presence. If in 150 years of existence, Scripture Union has never posed a problem to any government in the world, then, let Scripture Union be allowed in every facet of our institution,” he stated.

According to him, “This ministry has nurtured and trained so many servants of God from inception. Few among them in Nigeria are Brother Gbile Akanni, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor W.F Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo, among others.

The national vice-chairman of the union, Reverend Gbile Olugbebi, in his address, said the body “teaches balanced gospel” based on the Bible and not each church’s doctrine, noting that “this has not in any way led to breakdown of law and order.”

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I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH... Story of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology

How some young aviators inspired a small Christian student fellowship to build a Church in West Africa’s oldest Aviation College-The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology-after 44 years of its establishment.

 

By Leke Beecroft

The red Volkswagen drove every school day from Ahmadu Bello University Area F (Residential Area) to the Therbow School, Zaria. The 20-25 minute drive was never a bore. Mum also opted for the white Toyota Crown whenever it was available particularly when Dad was out in Holland. Along the Zaria road though, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) established sometime in 1965 by the government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa with land generously allocated with a wave of the hand by the Premier of the Northern Region, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was always conspicuous. The new gate project which ensured the removal of the old gate and the fixing of the new one which looked like an aircraft was also a very interesting sight to behold. Unlike ABU however, there was a dull and silent look about NCAT. I knew it was a place I would never attend; but then, God had other plans.

 

Fast forward to 20 years and here were we in NCAT, my colleagues and I, sent by our establishment to be Aviators. This very dull school! That February 2008, while fetching water outside the room where a colleague gave me space to squat pending my allocation, heavenly song filtered from the next block into my ears. At the earliest opportunity, I asked someone walking towards me from that direction and he told me Choir Practice had just ended. His name ‘Bro’ Jonathan Atolagbe. On further inquiry, he told me about the Aviation Fellowship and in this case, the NCAT Chapter; I had my ‘own’ church but decided to attend this fellowship. The next day, I sat in a small hostel ‘common room’ barely able to sit 40-50 people at full capacity. Despite the zeal and joy of the few students, the environment seemed drab. Immediately, it felt discouraging. A look at the notice board showed a locally printed picture of ‘The Rapture’. Thank God for the choir, the mood was lightened up as the word came. Bro Felix Agbonlahor, one of the leaders was very visible especially as he danced heartily during the praise session. Soon after the Closing Song ‘God be gracious and bless us’ and the close of service, we were gone and with the small ‘mushroom’ sized Chapel etched badly in my mind….but what could be done?

 

A short while later, in another service, we were in church and an instruction came. All students who would be in the school for the next one year were to stand up. My program was for 14-18 months. It was then announced that most of the Executives of the Fellowship had graduated (Aviation Courses are numerous and do not follow the regular annual academic session system) and there was need for a new EXCO which would last at least one year for continuity. Since there was no way of knowing how long anyone would be around, it was wisdom to ask us to stand up while the seated brethren nominated in writing those they wanted to be their leaders. The next Sunday, the list of the ‘Caretaker Committee’ which would hold sway until the next ‘session’ was announced, there were 10 names. Brothers Sola Oshodi, Samuel Ahomafor, Idowu Salami, Tunde ‘Crown’ Adejumo, Afubera Nonso, Jonathan Atolagbe, Olutayo Bamidele, Dayo Adesina, Oluwaleke Beecroft, the sister in the house, Sister Patience or ‘Mayen’ as she was fondly called as well as one of the very few staff members, a very dedicated sister who incidentally was spending her last year in the college. Brother Oluwaleke Beecroft was to lead the group. Immediately, it was time for the ‘acceptance speech’. For me, it was time…..to build.
 

Two scriptures were opened: Psalm 102 verses 13-15 and Acts 20:32.
‘Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the SET TIME, is come. For thy SERVANTS TAKE PLEASURE IN HER STONES AND FAVOUR THE DUST THEREOF.
‘And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified’.
The word was clear, as we came together to build for God with immediate effect, our lives too would be built.
 

Immediately, we set in motion the process to move the fellowship forward, to increase our membership, to be more relevant in the Aviation College and to build a befitting Chapel for the Lord.

The reason to build was simple. The common room was too small for the growing number of students in the College. Most students who had to worship went outside the school while the greater figure stayed in their rooms as there was no church in the College and going out was too far; there were excuses of lack of ‘transport fare’. Again, often times, other students would come up to us during church services, weekly meetings or even choir rehearsals and tell us we were disturbing. How were those of other faiths coping? The answer was given to me, there were at least 4 mosques located around the College for convenience. However, my issue was that the ‘Church’ was just too small! Haba! ….Didn’t Jesus say…..Upon THIS ROCK, I WOULD BUILD MY CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. Well, Kufena Rock wasn’t too far so this must be the place where the church would be built.

 

First things first, we chose special prayer days to turn the situation around and in the next few days, we repainted the chapel in white and fixed the lights; we ensured a brightened effect; the mood was electric the next Bible Study meeting; it was a sign of better things to come. We removed the posters from the notice board and redesigned that too. A decoration unit was put in place and from then on, the altar began to be decorated. Most of the speakers were changed. Speakers who would minister concerning areas where we had needs. Relationships, finances, etc were to be incorporated. While we were set for Heaven, we needed to remain relevant on the earth. We went into the account books and cleaned it up; there was N220,000 total and another N80,000 given out as loan to indigent students. We stopped the giving of loans; we would only give out money to those in need whenever possible. We started the process of adopting the constitution and further went to open bank accounts for the fellowship as there was none erstwhile. One was a normal fellowship account (ACFI Main Account-GTB 0048099984) while the other was the building account (ACFI Building Account-GTB 0048099977). The reaction was almost instant. In a few weeks, the ACFI had grown from about 40 students to 150. Now, we knew that the common room would be grossly inadequate for our services.

A few weeks later, some of us in the EXCO walked up boldly to the Rector, Captain Araba, in his office. It was unheard of, NCAT Students, demanding to build a church!!!! He smiled and called the Director of Works who was very nice to us and led us to look for a suitable place for a college chapel. From that day, the building site was relocated 4 times. We did an in-house launch and got pledges of N1.6 million. It was a privilege to be involved in this project we told our colleagues; whether we were involved or not, the chapel would be built. The target was N45 million for a church which would sit 500 people; some thought it was too big and later, it was reduced to 400.

 

The next holidays, it was a privilege to kneel before Bishop Oyedepo as he told the story of how he used to minister in that small common room in NCAT on invitation by the Chief Instructor Pilot on invitation. Interesting. He declared success in the project. Later Mummy Faith Oyedepo asked how long the project would take? I retorted 1 year….ahhhh…..she thought it was too long; then she added, well that’s in Canaanland and we smiled. With good tidings, we returned to the college to serve out our remaining time in the EXCO as Bro Sam became the President, Bro Jonathan, the General Secretary and my humble self, the Choir Master, among others. God told us in prophecy that if we served him faithfully in that period, he will amaze us beyond words. A year later, most of us in the EXCO except Jonathan Atolagbe were out of NCAT; the physical foundation had not been laid but the plan, costing, model, structures and all had been put in place. We got the services of a Christian architect, a very young Mrs Oladimeji who did the model for mere pittance. Bro Ifetayo Onasanya, a student pilot and member of the choir who later became a leader in the EXCO as well as an instructor pilot in the college took it with many others from that point onwards. At that time also, the first female Rector was appointed who fortunately was one of us as she attended our programs from time to time. A new day had dawned.

 

From that day in 2008 till date, it has been a long challenging journey of 9 years. We look forward to putting up the ceiling as well as painting the walls in a short while. To the glory of God, today, We present to you, in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology -the first ‘MUCHROOM’ Church-The AVIATION CHRISTIAN CHAPEL.

Leke Beecroft is an artist, author and an air-traffic controller.

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Epe kidnap: RCCG’s Adeboye prays for victims, wants them home by Sunday

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has led prayers for the return of the kidnapped pupils of a Lagos school by Sunday.

The prayers were the first set taken by Pastor Adeboye immediately after he began his ministration a few minutes past 11:30pm on Friday at the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Congress programme held at the Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He prayed saying “Father, let anyone who is involved in the kidnapping let them be taken away if they don’t repent.

“If there be any among the security forces collaborating with these kidnappers, let them be exposed and disgraced.

The man called Daddy G.O also prayed for the return of the children by Sunday saying, “Father, send at least one of the angels of these children and let them be returned to their parents this Sunday.”

Recall that that six students of Igbonla Model College in Epe, Lagos were abducted shortly before Children’s Day celebration. This was not the first time the incident occurred at the school.

Efforts by the relevant authorities to secure the release of the students are yet to yield results.

Source: TribunOnlineng

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Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful

 

- Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state has been in a long-standing battle with Catholic faithful in Ahiara, Imo state
- As the crisis continues to linger, Pope Francis has reportedly met with a delegation of top Catholic priests in Nigeria

Pope Francis has reportedly intervened in an ethnic crisis involving Ahiara, a Nigerian town in Imo state whose bishop, Peter Ebere Okpaleke, appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, has been rejected. Bishop Okpaleke was rejected lay people and priests of the diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Okpaleke is an Igbo from Anambra state, the Catholic leaders in Ahiara rejected him because he is not from Mbaise.

The source learnt that the Vatican Insider said the pope has received a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, accompanied by archbishop of Abuja and apostolic administrator of Ahiara, Cardinal John O Onaiyekan.

Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful Pope Francis is said to have waded into the crisis in Ahiara At the meeting were the metropolitan archbishop of Owerri, Monsignor Anthony Obinna, archbishop of Jos and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama and the Bishop of Ahiara, Bishop Okpaleke. READ ALSO: Wike appeals to UN to prevail on Buhari's government over Ogoni clean-up The report added that Priests Clement O Ebii, Jude N Uwalaka, Uhuegbu Innocent Olekamma, Sister Bernadette O Ezeyi and Stanley Pius Iwu, chief of the staff were also part of the delegation. After a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Nigerian delegation attended the pope’s private mass celebration, the report said. The delegation had previously met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, prefect of the congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Filoni, and the superiors of the same dicastery, with whom the Church’s situation in Ahiara was widely examined. Pope Francis spoke of the inadmissibility of the situation in Ahiara and reserved to take the appropriate measures. He said he was entrusting the diocese of Ahiara to the motherly care of Mary. The report said it was Benedict XVI who appointed Monsignor Okpaleke in 2012, only to meet a storm of opposition by the leaders and congregation. He was not even allowed to hold mass in the church. "His predecessor, late Victor Adibe Chikwe, came from Mbaise and was accepted by the worshippers, because he was son of the soil. "Pope Francis appointed John O Onaiyekan apostolic administrator since July 2013. But the crisis has lingered. "Since Okpaleke’s appointment in 2012, the priests and Catholic faithful from Mbaise had insisted they wanted a Bishop of Mbaise extraction," the report said. Okpaleke was however ordained a bishop on May 21, 2013 in Owerri, the mother Diocese to Ahiara diocese. His ordination was graced by the cream of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Jos and president Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Kasuija. In a post-ordination speech, Okpaleke said: “My ordination is a celebration of my marriage to the Church of God in Ahiara. "Just like wives married into families, I have left my people and have become 'onye' (member of) Ahiara Diocese. "I remember a piece of music by monks of Western Priory in the State of Vermont USA, which I love so much. "The monks set into song Ruth’s response to Naomi: “wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live I shall live. "You people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I shall die and there I shall be buried.” NAIJ.com had recently reported that the US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met on Wednesday in the Vatican City during Trump’s 1st foreign presidential trip. The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was warmly welcomed at the Pope’s palace where they held a private meeting before he emerged to talk to the press. “It is such an honour…It was a great honour. Thank you very much,” President Trump could be heard saying as he exchanged firm handshake with the jovial-looking Pope and as they posed for photos.

Source: www.naij.com

- Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state has been in a long-standing battle with Catholic faithful in Ahiara, Imo state - As the crisis continues to linger, Pope Francis has reportedly met with a delegation of top Catholic priests in Nigeria Pope Francis has reportedly intervened in an ethnic crisis involving Ahiara, a Nigerian town in Imo state whose bishop, Peter Ebere Okpaleke, appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, has been rejected. Bishop Okpaleke was rejected lay people and priests of the diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Okpaleke is an Igbo from Anambra state, the Catholic leaders in Ahiara rejected him because he is not from Mbaise. NAIJ.com learnt that the Vatican Insider said the pope has received a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, accompanied by archbishop of Abuja and apostolic administrator of Ahiara, Cardinal John O Onaiyekan. Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful Pope Francis is said to have waded into the crisis in Ahiara At the meeting were the metropolitan archbishop of Owerri, Monsignor Anthony Obinna, archbishop of Jos and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama and the Bishop of Ahiara, Bishop Okpaleke. READ ALSO: Wike appeals to UN to prevail on Buhari's government over Ogoni clean-up The report added that Priests Clement O Ebii, Jude N Uwalaka, Uhuegbu Innocent Olekamma, Sister Bernadette O Ezeyi and Stanley Pius Iwu, chief of the staff were also part of the delegation. After a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Nigerian delegation attended the pope’s private mass celebration, the report said. The delegation had previously met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, prefect of the congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Filoni, and the superiors of the same dicastery, with whom the Church’s situation in Ahiara was widely examined. Pope Francis spoke of the inadmissibility of the situation in Ahiara and reserved to take the appropriate measures. He said he was entrusting the diocese of Ahiara to the motherly care of Mary. The report said it was Benedict XVI who appointed Monsignor Okpaleke in 2012, only to meet a storm of opposition by the leaders and congregation. He was not even allowed to hold mass in the church. "His predecessor, late Victor Adibe Chikwe, came from Mbaise and was accepted by the worshippers, because he was son of the soil. "Pope Francis appointed John O Onaiyekan apostolic administrator since July 2013. But the crisis has lingered. "Since Okpaleke’s appointment in 2012, the priests and Catholic faithful from Mbaise had insisted they wanted a Bishop of Mbaise extraction," the report said. Okpaleke was however ordained a bishop on May 21, 2013 in Owerri, the mother Diocese to Ahiara diocese. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app His ordination was graced by the cream of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Jos and president Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Kasuija. In a post-ordination speech, Okpaleke said: “My ordination is a celebration of my marriage to the Church of God in Ahiara. "Just like wives married into families, I have left my people and have become 'onye' (member of) Ahiara Diocese. "I remember a piece of music by monks of Western Priory in the State of Vermont USA, which I love so much. "The monks set into song Ruth’s response to Naomi: “wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live I shall live. "You people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I shall die and there I shall be buried.” NAIJ.com had recently reported that the US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met on Wednesday in the Vatican City during Trump’s 1st foreign presidential trip. The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was warmly welcomed at the Pope’s palace where they held a private meeting before he emerged to talk to the press. “It is such an honour…It was a great honour. Thank you very much,” President Trump could be heard saying as he exchanged firm handshake with the jovial-looking Pope and as they posed for photos. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html

- Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state has been in a long-standing battle with Catholic faithful in Ahiara, Imo state - As the crisis continues to linger, Pope Francis has reportedly met with a delegation of top Catholic priests in Nigeria Pope Francis has reportedly intervened in an ethnic crisis involving Ahiara, a Nigerian town in Imo state whose bishop, Peter Ebere Okpaleke, appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, has been rejected. Bishop Okpaleke was rejected lay people and priests of the diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Okpaleke is an Igbo from Anambra state, the Catholic leaders in Ahiara rejected him because he is not from Mbaise. NAIJ.com learnt that the Vatican Insider said the pope has received a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, accompanied by archbishop of Abuja and apostolic administrator of Ahiara, Cardinal John O Onaiyekan. Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful Pope Francis is said to have waded into the crisis in Ahiara At the meeting were the metropolitan archbishop of Owerri, Monsignor Anthony Obinna, archbishop of Jos and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama and the Bishop of Ahiara, Bishop Okpaleke. READ ALSO: Wike appeals to UN to prevail on Buhari's government over Ogoni clean-up The report added that Priests Clement O Ebii, Jude N Uwalaka, Uhuegbu Innocent Olekamma, Sister Bernadette O Ezeyi and Stanley Pius Iwu, chief of the staff were also part of the delegation. After a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Nigerian delegation attended the pope’s private mass celebration, the report said. The delegation had previously met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, prefect of the congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Filoni, and the superiors of the same dicastery, with whom the Church’s situation in Ahiara was widely examined. Pope Francis spoke of the inadmissibility of the situation in Ahiara and reserved to take the appropriate measures. He said he was entrusting the diocese of Ahiara to the motherly care of Mary. The report said it was Benedict XVI who appointed Monsignor Okpaleke in 2012, only to meet a storm of opposition by the leaders and congregation. He was not even allowed to hold mass in the church. "His predecessor, late Victor Adibe Chikwe, came from Mbaise and was accepted by the worshippers, because he was son of the soil. "Pope Francis appointed John O Onaiyekan apostolic administrator since July 2013. But the crisis has lingered. "Since Okpaleke’s appointment in 2012, the priests and Catholic faithful from Mbaise had insisted they wanted a Bishop of Mbaise extraction," the report said. Okpaleke was however ordained a bishop on May 21, 2013 in Owerri, the mother Diocese to Ahiara diocese. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app His ordination was graced by the cream of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Jos and president Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Kasuija. In a post-ordination speech, Okpaleke said: “My ordination is a celebration of my marriage to the Church of God in Ahiara. "Just like wives married into families, I have left my people and have become 'onye' (member of) Ahiara Diocese. "I remember a piece of music by monks of Western Priory in the State of Vermont USA, which I love so much. "The monks set into song Ruth’s response to Naomi: “wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live I shall live. "You people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I shall die and there I shall be buried.” NAIJ.com had recently reported that the US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met on Wednesday in the Vatican City during Trump’s 1st foreign presidential trip. The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was warmly welcomed at the Pope’s palace where they held a private meeting before he emerged to talk to the press. “It is such an honour…It was a great honour. Thank you very much,” President Trump could be heard saying as he exchanged firm handshake with the jovial-looking Pope and as they posed for photos. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html

- Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state has been in a long-standing battle with Catholic faithful in Ahiara, Imo state - As the crisis continues to linger, Pope Francis has reportedly met with a delegation of top Catholic priests in Nigeria Pope Francis has reportedly intervened in an ethnic crisis involving Ahiara, a Nigerian town in Imo state whose bishop, Peter Ebere Okpaleke, appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, has been rejected. Bishop Okpaleke was rejected lay people and priests of the diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Okpaleke is an Igbo from Anambra state, the Catholic leaders in Ahiara rejected him because he is not from Mbaise. NAIJ.com learnt that the Vatican Insider said the pope has received a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, accompanied by archbishop of Abuja and apostolic administrator of Ahiara, Cardinal John O Onaiyekan. Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful Pope Francis is said to have waded into the crisis in Ahiara At the meeting were the metropolitan archbishop of Owerri, Monsignor Anthony Obinna, archbishop of Jos and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama and the Bishop of Ahiara, Bishop Okpaleke. READ ALSO: Wike appeals to UN to prevail on Buhari's government over Ogoni clean-up The report added that Priests Clement O Ebii, Jude N Uwalaka, Uhuegbu Innocent Olekamma, Sister Bernadette O Ezeyi and Stanley Pius Iwu, chief of the staff were also part of the delegation. After a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Nigerian delegation attended the pope’s private mass celebration, the report said. The delegation had previously met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, prefect of the congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Filoni, and the superiors of the same dicastery, with whom the Church’s situation in Ahiara was widely examined. Pope Francis spoke of the inadmissibility of the situation in Ahiara and reserved to take the appropriate measures. He said he was entrusting the diocese of Ahiara to the motherly care of Mary. The report said it was Benedict XVI who appointed Monsignor Okpaleke in 2012, only to meet a storm of opposition by the leaders and congregation. He was not even allowed to hold mass in the church. "His predecessor, late Victor Adibe Chikwe, came from Mbaise and was accepted by the worshippers, because he was son of the soil. "Pope Francis appointed John O Onaiyekan apostolic administrator since July 2013. But the crisis has lingered. "Since Okpaleke’s appointment in 2012, the priests and Catholic faithful from Mbaise had insisted they wanted a Bishop of Mbaise extraction," the report said. Okpaleke was however ordained a bishop on May 21, 2013 in Owerri, the mother Diocese to Ahiara diocese. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app His ordination was graced by the cream of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Jos and president Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Kasuija. In a post-ordination speech, Okpaleke said: “My ordination is a celebration of my marriage to the Church of God in Ahiara. "Just like wives married into families, I have left my people and have become 'onye' (member of) Ahiara Diocese. "I remember a piece of music by monks of Western Priory in the State of Vermont USA, which I love so much. "The monks set into song Ruth’s response to Naomi: “wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live I shall live. "You people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I shall die and there I shall be buried.” NAIJ.com had recently reported that the US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met on Wednesday in the Vatican City during Trump’s 1st foreign presidential trip. The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was warmly welcomed at the Pope’s palace where they held a private meeting before he emerged to talk to the press. “It is such an honour…It was a great honour. Thank you very much,” President Trump could be heard saying as he exchanged firm handshake with the jovial-looking Pope and as they posed for photos. Watch this video of the driver of a bishop in Nigeria who recently converted to Islam: Think it is important? Share with your friends! Share on Facebook Send via email Subscribe now To get news every day from NAIJ.com Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html

- Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state has been in a long-standing battle with Catholic faithful in Ahiara, Imo state - As the crisis continues to linger, Pope Francis has reportedly met with a delegation of top Catholic priests in Nigeria Pope Francis has reportedly intervened in an ethnic crisis involving Ahiara, a Nigerian town in Imo state whose bishop, Peter Ebere Okpaleke, appointed by Benedict XVI in 2012, has been rejected. Bishop Okpaleke was rejected lay people and priests of the diocese. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though Okpaleke is an Igbo from Anambra state, the Catholic leaders in Ahiara rejected him because he is not from Mbaise. NAIJ.com learnt that the Vatican Insider said the pope has received a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, accompanied by archbishop of Abuja and apostolic administrator of Ahiara, Cardinal John O Onaiyekan. Pope Francis tries to save Nigerian bishop from his Ahiara Catholic faithful Pope Francis is said to have waded into the crisis in Ahiara At the meeting were the metropolitan archbishop of Owerri, Monsignor Anthony Obinna, archbishop of Jos and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama and the Bishop of Ahiara, Bishop Okpaleke. READ ALSO: Wike appeals to UN to prevail on Buhari's government over Ogoni clean-up The report added that Priests Clement O Ebii, Jude N Uwalaka, Uhuegbu Innocent Olekamma, Sister Bernadette O Ezeyi and Stanley Pius Iwu, chief of the staff were also part of the delegation. After a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Nigerian delegation attended the pope’s private mass celebration, the report said. The delegation had previously met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, prefect of the congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Filoni, and the superiors of the same dicastery, with whom the Church’s situation in Ahiara was widely examined. Pope Francis spoke of the inadmissibility of the situation in Ahiara and reserved to take the appropriate measures. He said he was entrusting the diocese of Ahiara to the motherly care of Mary. The report said it was Benedict XVI who appointed Monsignor Okpaleke in 2012, only to meet a storm of opposition by the leaders and congregation. He was not even allowed to hold mass in the church. "His predecessor, late Victor Adibe Chikwe, came from Mbaise and was accepted by the worshippers, because he was son of the soil. "Pope Francis appointed John O Onaiyekan apostolic administrator since July 2013. But the crisis has lingered. "Since Okpaleke’s appointment in 2012, the priests and Catholic faithful from Mbaise had insisted they wanted a Bishop of Mbaise extraction," the report said. Okpaleke was however ordained a bishop on May 21, 2013 in Owerri, the mother Diocese to Ahiara diocese. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app His ordination was graced by the cream of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Jos and president Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna and the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Kasuija. In a post-ordination speech, Okpaleke said: “My ordination is a celebration of my marriage to the Church of God in Ahiara. "Just like wives married into families, I have left my people and have become 'onye' (member of) Ahiara Diocese. "I remember a piece of music by monks of Western Priory in the State of Vermont USA, which I love so much. "The monks set into song Ruth’s response to Naomi: “wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live I shall live. "You people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I shall die and there I shall be buried.” NAIJ.com had recently reported that the US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met on Wednesday in the Vatican City during Trump’s 1st foreign presidential trip. The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was warmly welcomed at the Pope’s palace where they held a private meeting before he emerged to talk to the press. “It is such an honour…It was a great honour. Thank you very much,” President Trump could be heard saying as he exchanged firm handshake with the jovial-looking Pope and as they posed for photos. Watch this video of the driver of a bishop in Nigeria who recently converted to Islam: Think it is important? Share with your friends! Share on Facebook Send via email Subscribe now To get news every day from NAIJ.com Read more: https://www.naij.com/1109112-pope-francis-save-nigerian-bishop-ahiara-catholic-faithful.html

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How believer can lose his salvation

This is the longest article I have ever posted. The reason being it is very important that the man regarded as the "modern father of faith" thoughts be known. Many have claimed they are following after him so this is important.

Excerpts from "I believe in visions" by Kenneth Hagin. His thoughts on when a believer can cross the line and lose his or her salvation.
“Now I will show you how these evil spirits get hold of people when they are allowed to,” the Lord said to me. Suddenly in the vision, I saw a woman, I immediately recognized her as being the former wife of a minister. I had been introduced to her and her husband on one occasion. Other than that, I didn’t know either of them and I had no communication with either of them in any way. I only knew that she had since left her husband.
“This woman was a child of mine,” the Lord said. “She was in the ministry with her husband. She was filled with the Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit were operating in her life. One day an evil spirit came to her and whispered in her ear, ‘You are a beautiful woman. You could have had fame, popularity, and wealth, but you have been cheated in life by following in the Christian walk.’ The woman realized that this was an evil spirit and she said, ‘Get thee behind me, satan.’ The spirit left her for a period.
By and by the same spirit returned. He sat on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, ‘You are a beautiful woman, but you have been robbed by taking this lowly walk of Christianity and living a separated life.’ Again she recognized this as satan and said, ‘satan, I resist you in the name of Jesus,’ and her left her for a while.
But he came back again and sat on her shoulder, whispering the same things in her ear. This time she began to entertain these thoughts, for she liked to think she was beautiful. As she began to think along the lines the devil suggested to her, she became obsessed with that thinking.”
Then in the vision I saw the woman become transparent as glass, and I saw a black dot in her mind, “That dot represents the fact that she is obsessed in her thinking with this spirit,” the Lord said. “At first she was oppressed on the outside, but as she allowed the devil’s suggestion to take hold of her thoughts, her mind became obsessed. She wanted to think, ‘I am a beautiful woman. I could have wealth and popularity, but I have been robbed in life.’ Still, it wasn’t too late. She could have resisted; she could have refused to think those thoughts. Then the evil spirit would have fled from her and she would have remained free. But she chose otherwise.
Finally she left her husband and went out into the world, seeking fame and wealth which the devil offered. She took up with one man after another. After a time that thing got into her spirit.” In the vision I saw the black dot move from her head to her heart, and then the woman said, “I don’t want the Lord anymore. Just leave me alone.”
I said, “Lord, why are You showing this to me? Do You want me to pray for this woman? Do you want me to cast the devil out of her?”
“No, I don’t want you to pray and cast the devil out of her,” the Lord answered, because you couldn’t anyway. She wants that spirit, and as long as she wants it, she can have it.”
“Then why did You show this to me, Lord?”
“I have shown this to you for two reasons: first, so you could see how an evil spirit will get hold of a person, even a child of God, if they will let him; second, I want you to deal with that spirit who is operating through that woman and harassing and intimidating the ministry of her former husband.”
“How do I do that?” I asked. The minister was in the same state I was in, but the woman was in another state.
“There is no distance in the realm of the spirit,” the Lord said.
“Simply speak to that spirit and command him, in my Name, saying, ‘You foul spirit that is operating in the life of this woman (calling her name), that is harassing and embarrassing the ministry of the servant of the Lord (calling her husband’s name), I command you to desist in your operations and stop in your manoeuvres this moment.”
In the Spirit I said those words, and immediately that spirit ceased to operate through her to intimidate that minister. From that day forward the minister never again was troubled by her or that spirit.
“Lord, what will happen to her?” I asked.
“She will spend eternity in the regions of the damned, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth,” He answered. And in the vision I saw her go down in to the pit. I heard her awful screams.
“This woman was your child, Lord. She was filled with your Spirit and had part in the ministry. Yet You said not to pray for her. I cannot understand this!”

The Lord reminded me of the following scripture:
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it” (1 John 5:16).

I said, “But Lord, I always have believed that the sin referred to in this Scripture is physical death, and that the person is saved although he has sinned.”
“But that Scripture doesn’t say physical death,” the Lord pointed out. “You are adding something to it. If you will read the entire chapter of First John, you will see that it is not talking about life and death – spiritual life and death – and this is spiritual death. This refers to a believer who can sin a sin unto death, and therefore I say that you shall not pray for it. I told you not to pray for this woman because she sinned a sin unto death.”
“This really disrupts my theology, Lord. Would you explain some more?” I asked. (Sometimes we need our theology disrupted if it is not in line with the Word).
Jesus reminded me of the following Scripture:

HEBREWS 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

"Yes, I know that Scripture, but my denomination said that those who were once enlightened’ does not refer to Christians – it means lost persons who get under conviction.”
The Lord said, “Remember, I told you this woman was my child. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she had part in my ministry. You will notice that the Scripture says, ‘it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,

The Lord said to me, “The sin that this scripture speaks about is that of the believer who turns his back upon Me. Notice the words in this Scripture, ‘He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy… of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God…’ (Hebrews 10:28-29)

“Because of great persecution, the Hebrew Christians referred to in this passage were tempted to go back to Judaism, but if they went back, they would have trodden under foot the Son of God. They would have counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, for they were saying that Jesus is not the Messiah; He is not the Son of God. They turned their backs on Me. This is why
Paul warned them that if they did that, it would be impossible to renew them unto repentance.
Forgiveness for Adultery

“It is sad that this woman left her husband for another man, but adultery is not the unpardonable sin. If she had turned back to Me in repentance, even though she might have had a hundred men, I would have forgiven her. Whatever she might have done, if she had asked Me to forgive her, I would have.
Even if she had been a baby Christian when she said, ‘I don’t want Jesus anymore; leave me alone,’ and didn’t actually realize what she was doing, I would have forgiven her. If she had done that because she was tempted and pressed into in beyond measure, I would have forgiven her. But she knew exactly what she was doing, and she acted wilfully when she said, ‘I don’t want him anymore.’
Therefore I tell you not to pray for her. I merely showed you this so you might see how the devil can get hold of Christians if they will permit him to.

Pastor Poju Oyemade

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Ramadan: Church shares food to fasting Muslims

Jollof rice {Photo credit: Wives Connection]

 

The Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna has doled out over 500 food packages to Muslims, since the beginning of the Ramadan.

Pastor Yohanna Buru, the Church General Overseer, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Monday that the food packages and drinks were shared out to destitute and the poor.

He said that the Church was in the forefront of promoting religious tolerance in Kaduna State, adding that the gesture was to deepen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

“We must support our brothers and sisters with what to eat in these 30 days, in view of the high cost of food items in local markets.

“This gesture will strengthen good relationship with Muslims and promote religious tolerance and better understanding among different faiths.”

According to him, it is not the first time the church is distributing foodstuff to needy Muslims during the Ramadan.

Mr. Buru recalled that the Church had distributed over 1,000 packaged food and drinks to Internally Displaced Persons, destitute and prison inmates in 2016.

The cleric stressed that Islam and Christianity have many things in common as contained in the Bible and Qur’an, adding, “we are all brothers and sisters and must support each other to live in peace and harmony.”

He decried the negative attitude of traders who usually take advantage of the Ramadan to hike prices of goods, saying that the action negates every tenet of religion.

Mr. Buru appealed to wealthy Muslims and Christians nationwide to support the poor, including widows and orphans to ease their pains.

One of the beneficiaries, Wambai Isa, who is the leader of visually impaired persons in the state, commended Mr. Buru for his relentless efforts to bring succour to less privileged persons.

(NAN)

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com

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The Hope OF Nigerian Christianity and Church by Ojo Stephen Gbadegeshin

 

The hope of Nigeria Church is the Students and Youth in general. Moses was a product of Egyptian Ancient Royal College, Daniel was a product of Babylon College of Liberal Arts(Both are my own adaptation). To put the church on proper footing, The Lord moved to Jewish Advanced Legal Institute, and recruited a young brilliant mind called Saul. To face the first generation heretics, The Lord sought out Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian etc.To face the Leaned men of that era, Jesus called Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Acquinnas etc.

To get an instrument for Reformation, University of Wittenberg product, Luther came to the fore, almos all other reformers were products of various schools. Harvard gave the world Wesley Brothers, Weathon college gave us Billy Graham, Oral Roberts University blessed us with Kenneth Copeland, the Cambridge seven redefined global missions, the Yale five took light to Ecuador. In Nigeria, Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone, produced Ajayi Crowther, at a time, Pastors Adeboye, Kumuyi, Tunde Bakare, Wale Oke, Daniel Olukoya etc were all at UNILAG(some as Lecturers ,others as students), Around that time, Dr Aranseola, Bro Gbile, later Bimbo Odukoya etc were at UI, Bishop Oyedepo was at Kwara Poly, The Bamiloyes of Mount Zion fame were products of Ilesha college of Education Drama Unit, How about uncle Bayo Famonure and others at UNN, and great radical soldiers defying the laws of gravity at ABU Zaria, Eneches of UNIJOS, Oyakhilomes of Ekpoma and several other generals in various schools and seminaries across the country. We can't go into how OAU became the center of a great revival that took the country by storm....."What about UNN,UNICAL,ABU,UNIBEN, (There are so many great names not captured here, if there are great men already produced by your school, we are awaiting a greater you!, if your school has never produced anybody of note, congratulations for preparing to break the jinx )and all other Universities, Seminaries, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and all Colleges once full of fire, life and hope?

Friends, the Revival of tomorrow depends on the schools of today. Campus Fellowships must understand their roles, the Presidents must know that it's not enough to bear 'Papa'. Ignite the fire of revival in your schools, know that many of your predecessors who were on fire on campus are now confused! Bad economy, unemployment, wrong marriage, and bad associations have taken its toll on them, when they remember campus days, they shiver, that is why you don't see them in reunion, they died before the revival they passionately talked about. If you are out of school, is this the life you prayed so much to live? go back to what you left, don't waste the vision and grace, if you are still in school I ask you today as your brother, is your generation the one we've waited for all this while for REVIVAL, or we are to wait for another one. We need men who will re- enact the 1904, 1930, 70s, 80s, 90s revival! ,we need rugged generals who will share the world for spiritual possessions, we need the anointed generational prophets to call the church back to order! We need men, who will rescue Nigeria from all woes through the power of the Holy Spirit and unparalleled intelligence. Lord, I am still here, send me!, how about you? 

How can Islam be the fastest growing religion in the world, in your generation! and my generation? and some folks are distracting us with new flawed doctrines! How can our generational Nigeria church be fastly going the way of TURKEY, and we are helplessly watching! How can we carry the Holy Ghost and we are all round subjected to occultism influence from occultic men! When you are lectured by them, work under them in offices, they make laws for us, enforced the same, control our politics, economy, education, health, technology, etc and we are busy shouting fire in our various hiding places. My generation must right these wrongs, and God is counting on you, you are too young to resign to fate......This generation must know that you are here, in Jesus name.

Ojo Stephen Gbadegeshin

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Bible christianity vs Church Today

 

I so wish social commentators would pick up the bible one day
You will discover that Bible Christianity looks very different from how we want the church to look.

1. The church wants us to be busy everyday and that cannot be right

Acts 2:46
"With one accord they continued to meet DAILY in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,"

2. Why should church leaders be paid for doing what God called them to do?

1 Timothy 2:17
"Elders who do their work well should be respected and PAID WELL,especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching."

3. The leader cannot accept such expensive gifts with so many poor people in the world

Matthew 26:9-11
"9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.

4. The church should participate in every community project?

2 Timothy 2:4
" No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer"

Brandon Bailey

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Opposition, Meekness and Blaming Others

Anything significant will always have significant opposition
Pastor Paul Adefarasin

God told me during my study about Pastor E.A. Adeboye. He said it is not his prayers or fastings that has made him, it is his meekness.
Dr David Oyedepo

EVERYONE CAN BE FIRST!
'There was a time Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts and TL Osborn were living in the same apartment and in the same town.
There is no limit to who can bé first, nobody's triumph is the reason for your failure'
Dr David Oyedepo

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Vision, Sleeping & Hardwork

'When we started in those days,they mocked us saying "who are all these MUSHROOM churches" but today, the story has changed, we have become MUCH-ROOM churches'
Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa

WAKE UP!
If you sleep for 8 hours daily, by the time you are 75 years old, you would have slept for 25 years...don't sleep away your destiny.
Wake up !
David Oyedepo

To refuse hard work is to embrace hard life.
David Oyedepo

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Reflect on this!

On my grandmother's death bed, we asked if she owed anybody. She replied; I owe no man but many owe me. If they return my money, collect it; if they don't, forget it, because no one rejoices in debt.
I learnt that day that being in debt was a burden.
David Oyedepo

Nigeria is a very religious country and as many of you know, I am a pastor. However, no matter how long we pray and fast, until some people do the hard work, our Nation will not work.
Pastor Yemi Osinbajo
Ag President
Federal Republic of Nigeria

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This revival

ASK THOSE WHO SAW THE REVIVAL OF 1930s,1970s

AND 1980s, THEY WILL TELL YOU WHY WE ARE CRYING OVER THIS "FIRE LESS NESS" WE ARE SEEING IN OUR GENERATION OF BELIEVERS.
A
John Knox prayed: "Lord, Give me Scotland or I die"...

St Patrick, a rugged believer that Brought even dead animals and trees back to life prayed: "God, Give me souls or give me nothing else"....

Brethren during the Hebrides revival prayed:" Lord, If you will not use us, please, kill us"...

The brethren from England who brought the Fire from Azusa Street revival gathered everyday under the terrible cold.

Their only prayer topic was: "Lord, give us men that will spread Your Fire in the streets of England".

During the Indonesia Revival, those hungry hearts were seen praying day and night: "Lord, The harvest is ripe... If it pleases You, please use us".

One prayer that was common during the days of William Seymour was: "Lord, this is another day that hell must lose men and women.

Please, we are here use us".Paul said:" Woe is me if I preach not the gospel"
Rachel said to her husband, Jacob: "Give me children or I die"

But unfortunately, our churches are filled today with people who are not ashamed of spiritual barrenness. We are asking "God give me money. God give me spouse. God give me visa".

Where do we see believers again that will be praying and fasting, and when you listen to them, you will be hearing:" Lord, let Your Fire fall in my community and let their be revival"?
When Paul encountered Christ, he fell and rose. What He asked was:" Lord, what will You have me do".

But today, when we fall under anointing, we stand to start expecting marriage proposals and visas and employment letters.
This generation of members in our churches have not had a genuine encounter with the Man of Calvary.
No generation has carried Bibles like us without opening it.
No generation is materially driven like ours and we expect the land to obey us.
Jesus said, pray to the Father that He brings His Kingdom on earth.
GOD help us to get it on time. Amen.
Let's build up our spiritual life and altar of under God cos its very necessary in this awaiting revival Et

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Words on Marble by Men of God

One of the principles for impact is to live life by deduction. In other words with each year there is a reduced amount of time left to fulfill your purpose. Do something eternal with your life now because one day, your time will bé up and it will bé weighed on the scales of eternity
Pastor David Oyedepo (Jnr)

We can't drain God, no matter the level of our needs.
God alone is Jehovah-Jireh
But there is no human Jehovah-Jireh
Every human is only a mini-jireh
Dr David Oyedepo

If you fix your eye on the right thing, you can get out of any situation.
Pastor Poju Oyemade
For they looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.
Psalm 34:5

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